Doing it Different: Men’s Federation President-Elect talks the future

“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts,”, scientist Albert Einstein once said. Trelin Gradney, a junior majoring in mass communications from Baton Rouge, Louisiana was recently elected as the Southern University’s 2021-2022 Men’s Federation President. This quote resonates with much of his personal philosophy.
Gradney had been paying attention to Southern University’s Men’s Federation since he went to Belaire High School. He was introduced to it by a former president, Anthony Kenney, and through social media. The Baton Rouge native has dipped his feet in other organizations such as Collegiate 100 and First Year Experience (FYE), just to name a few. He has been serving the Southern University campus since he was a freshman and was even crowned as Mr. Freshman in Fall 2018.
The name of the theme for his Men’s Fed campaign was BarberShop. He wanted a theme that every man could relate to and associate with an open space for knowledge, resources, and opportunities. His platform is about bringing more attention to males’ mental health, and connecting current students with alumni for career guidance and opportunities. He wants to recognize student entrepreneurs, athletes, and honors students. Gradney hopes to build a closer relationship with the community, strengthen professional developmental skills, and implement social events for the men to connect and interact with colleagues.
The president-elect shared his inspiration, saying “To be completely honest, my inspiration comes from those who doubt themselves to hold a leadership position. It’s not easy being a leader but it’s worth it. I get up every day and be the best leader I can for my high school classmates, my colleagues, my friends and most importantly my family, my little cousins, nephew, and niece. Those people inspire me to keep going because I know they’re looking up to me and I reach back to guide them.”
Gradney expressed gratitude for his big achievement. “I feel blessed; it was definitely God performing this miracle. Honestly, it doesn’t feel real right now but it’s real because I worked really hard for it. I will always hold those 270 votes close to my heart because each and every vote saw me fit to lead them as their President.”
The junior wanted to drop some knowledge for his peers. “If I could give any advice to young men, I would tell them to always be true to themselves. To be unapologetic. Be authentic. Be real. Be a man. Being a man is being transparent, honest, and holding yourself accountable at all times.”
This young man’s journey at Southern University has been challenging, but rewarding as well. The public figure knows that it will always inspire him and others to never give up on goals and dreams no matter how things may go left or how long it may take. After graduating from Southern University, Gradney plans to depart from Louisiana. He looks forward to pursuing his Master’s in social work far from the South and leaving behind a legacy after his term.